This bear climbs up on a boulder to sniff the wind. The rotundity and smooth surface of the bear’s figure contrasts with the rough texture of the rock, although the whole piece is carved from a single piece of very dark serpentine stone.The polar bear is the symbol of the Arctic. For the Inuit people it is also their most feared and admired animal. Nanuq, the Inuit name for the bear, is an integral character in creation myths and folklore. Only the most skilled and bravest hunters would tackle a bear. In the Inuit tradition, the polar bear is greatly respected and is the symbol of strength, power, tenacity and sagacity. |
